News
- November 16, 2011
United Way Toronto selected as one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers for 2012
United Way Toronto is honoured to have been selected as one of the Greater Toronto Area's Top 100 Employers. With such a large number of businesses and non-profits working in our city, we are humbled to have been selected, and proud to be recognized among the many outstanding organizations on this list.At United Way Toronto, we employ a diverse group of highly dedicated, motivated and caring individuals who believe in the work being done to improve our city. We embrace a full spectrum of diversity across our organization and strive to create an environment that enables open communication, fosters teamwork and allows each and every one of our employees to give their best.
We thank MediaCorp Canada for this designation. You can read more about why United Way Toronto has been selected for this distinction.
- October 5, 2010
Mayoral Debate 2010: Mayoral Candidates Tackle Planning, Community, the Environment and Sustainability
When: Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 7 pm
Where: St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts, Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front Street East
Details: Planning, Community, the Environment and Sustainability: What will the new mayor do to improve sustainability and engage Torontonians in their vision for the health and design of the city?
Moderator: John Cruickshank, Toronto Star
Panelists: Vanessa Lu, Toronto Star; TBC, 680News; Roger Petersen, CityTV
Can't attend the debate? Watch it live on 680news.com or Rogers TV.
- September 22, 2010
Missed the debate? Watch it on Rogers TV
The debate will air on Rogers TV, cable channel 10 (Toronto) and 63 (Scarborough), and in HD on channel 510 on Sun. Sep. 26 - 5:00 p.m., Mon. Sep. 27 - 2:00 a.m., Sun. Oct. 3 - 5:00 p.m., or Sun. Oct. 17 - 2:00 a.m.
Mayoral Candidates: Debate 2010
York University, Tribute Communities Recital Hall, Accolade E. Bldg. 4700 Keele Street
Finance, Transportation, and Managing the City: Facing a budget deficit, what will our city's next mayor do to improve the municipal services that matter most to Torontonians?
Moderator: Steve Paikin, TVO
Panelists: Royson James, Toronto Star; John Stall, 680News; Francis D'Souza, CityTVCan't attend the debate? Watch it live on 680news.com or Rogers TV.
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September 8, 2010
2010 campaign kick-off reveals biggest fundraising goal yet for United Way Toronto
United Way Toronto announces its citywide all-time greatest fundraising goal of $113-million to a rally of more than 800 people. » Read more
- August 30, 2010
Discuss. Debate. Decide. Toronto Debates 2010
United Way Toronto, Toronto Community Foundation, Toronto City Summit Alliance and Toronto Board of Trade have come together to present debates on some of the key areas of concern that Toronto's next mayor will have to address. Each institution grapples with some of the most pressing challenges in our city — from promoting economic, cultural and community strength, to addressing neighbourhood wellbeing.
Toronto Debates 2010 is designed to help focus discussion of the major issues facing the people of Toronto in the coming years. It will provide a forum for strong and intelligent debate among the leading mayoral candidates in the October municipal election. The debates are intended to spark real debate – not mere political zingers – about complex, important issues that the candidates would face if elected the next mayor of Toronto.
Toronto Debates 2010 will host three public debates among the leading candidates for mayor.
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
MaRS Centre, Auditorium, 101 College Street
Prosperity and the Economy: Coming out of recession, how will the new mayor address the prosperity gap in our city and promote economic growth?
Moderator: Carol Wilding, Toronto Board of Trade
Panelists: David Rider, Toronto Star; Mike Eppel, 680News; Pam Seatle, CityTV Wednesday, September 22, 2010
York University, Tribute Communities Recital Hall, Accolade E. Bldg. 4700 Keele Street
Finance, Transportation, and Managing the City: Facing a budget deficit, what will our city's next mayor do to improve the municipal services that matter most to Torontonians?
Moderator: Steve Paikin, TVO
Panelists: Royson James, Toronto Star; John Stall, 680News; Francis D'Souza, CityTVThursday, October 7, 2010
St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts, Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front Street East
Planning, Community, the Environment and Sustainability: What will the new mayor do to improve sustainability and engage Torontonians in their vision for the health and design of the city?
Moderator: John Cruickshank, Toronto Star
Panelists: Vanessa Lu, Toronto Star; TBC, 680News; Roger Petersen, CityTV
Find out more about the 2010 municipal elections.
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- July 15, 2010
Mid-Scarborough Community Initiative (MSCI) Summer Festival
Saturday July 17, noon - 7 p.m., Glen Ravine Park (north of Eglinton off Gilder Dr.)
Free children's games, bouncy castle, skateboard park, prizes to be won, free henna, $2 burgers and good (halal & veggie), vendors market, community partners fair, surprise guests, entertainment and music by TD.
Supported by Action for Neighbourhood Change Eglinton East/Kennedy Park, United Way Toronto, West Hill Community Services and the City of Toronto.
- July 12, 2010
Broad coalition calls on government to reverse census decision
Representatives from business and finance, health and social services and other levels of government say the long form is vital to the country's health and well-being
A surprising coalition of diverse voices are coming together to support Canada's long form census. This coalition includes representatives from a number of leading organizations — from some of Canada's largest banks and the Toronto Board of Trade to community-based organizations like United Way and the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants — as well as policy think tanks and other concerned groups.
These groups are calling on the federal government to reverse its decision to end the long form census — a move that will severely restrict the ability of businesses, communities and governments to understand and respond to the needs of Canadians.
Speakers include Don Drummond, former Chief Economist, TD Bank; Carol Timmings, Toronto Public Health ; Gillian Mason, United Way Toronto; and Mel Cappe, Institute for Research on Public Policy.
Moderated by Armine Yalnizyan of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)
WHERE: United Way Toronto, 26 Wellington Street East, Toronto
DIAL-IN: 416-343-2656 in Toronto / 1-866-440-8937 toll-free, Enter conference ID 6107238
For information contact: Joanna King, United Way Toronto: Desk 416-777-1444 x 386 / Mobile 416-557-8505.
- June 30, 2010
TD Gears Up to Make a Difference with New United Way Toronto CEO
TD Bank Financial Group is pleased to congratulate Susan McIsaac on her newly announced position as Chief Executive Officer of United Way Toronto.
"I'm excited to partner with Susan on our mutual goal of improving the communities in which we live and work," said Ed Clark, President and CEO, TD and Chair of the United Way Toronto Campaign for 2010. "Last year's record-breaking achievement of $110 million, despite a recession, proved that Torontonians are ready to make a difference in the communities of our great city." » Read more
- June 29, 2010
BMO Congratulates New CEO of United Way Toronto
Thanks Frances Lankin for Long Service to Agency
BMO Financial Group today congratulated Susan McIsaac on her appointment as CEO of United Way Toronto.
"Susan has been a driving force behind the United Way campaign for a dozen years," said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMO Financial Group and Chair of this past year's United Way Toronto campaign. "Her skills both as a tireless and highly effective fundraiser and as visionary community builder are tremendous. She and Frances have both been remarkable partners to the Campaign Cabinet." » Read more
- June 23, 2010
Frances Lankin to receive honorary degree from Seneca College
Frances Lankin's career has spanned the fields of child care, correctional services, trade unions, politics, public service and philanthropy. In recognition of her accomplishments and contributions, Seneca will present her with an honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies degree at Seneca College's convocation on Thursday, June 24. » Read more
- June 21, 2010
Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help Tonight on CNN
CNN is hosting a star-studded telethon on Larry King Live from 8-10 p.m. EDT (adjust for your time zone) to support recovery in the Gulf Coast. Recipients will be United Way (people), National Wildlife Federation (animals) and The Nature Conservancy (environment).
The oil spill devastating the U.S. coastline has created major disruption in the lives of people in the Gulf Coast areas, even as they still struggle to recover from the 2005 hurricanes.
The United Way Gulf Recovery Fund will provide emergency assistance, such as help with food, rent and utilities, and support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives devastated by the disaster by addressing educational, financial and health-related challenges. In addition, funds will enable all who need help, or want to volunteer help, to have an easy, single point of contact by dialing 2-1-1.
A regional Gulf Coast allocations board will work with community partners to assess the ongoing and unmet needs of the people impacted by the oil spill. United Ways throughout the Gulf will be involved, with United Way of Greater New Orleans taking the lead.
How You Can Help: Canadians can give online: www.unitedway.org/gulfrecovery, and US cell users can text "UNITED" to "50555" to donate $10 to the United Way Gulf Recovery Fund. Canadian tax receipts will not be issued.
- June 21, 2010
DiverseCity Counts 2: A Snapshot of Diverse Leadership in the GTA
DiverseCity's Greater Toronto Leadership Project has recently published DiverseCity Counts 2: A Snapshot of Diverse Leadership in the GTA. It is their second annual research report measuring diversity at the top of the GTA's corporate, public and non profit organizations.
This year's report, published in May 2010, highlights United Way's Michael Herrera, VP of Finance, and Alnasir Samji, Chair of UWT Board of Trustees.
The Greater Toronto Leadership Project is a joint initiative of the Maytree Foundation and the Toronto City Summit Alliance. The project aims to transform the leadership landscape across the GTA.
United Way Toronto is making diversity and inclusion an integral part of who we are and what we do — we are committed to being as diverse and inclusive as the communities we serve.
- June 10, 2010
Improving integration & economic inclusion of Toronto's low income population
Toronto Board of Trade Discusses Business in the Need to Close Gaps in Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods in the GTA
United Way Toronto worked with the Toronto Board of Trade to produce: Lifting All Boats, Promoting Social Cohesion and Economic Inclusion as part of the Board's VoteToronto2010.com campaign. Through this paper and with the upcoming municipal election in mind, the Board is highlighting that immigrant integration, housing, and disadvantaged neighbourhoods are not simply social issues; they are important to the business community and have significant economic impacts on the entire GTA's prosperity. We share the Board's belief that in order for our city to be truly great, it must be great for everyone.
- June 3, 2010
United Way Toronto CEO Search Update
In March, United Way's Board of Trustees developed a two-phase CEO search process. Phase 1 of United Way Toronto's CEO search process is now complete. The search committee of the Board of Trustees has developed the candidate criteria and a summary of challenges and opportunities. Phase 1 consisted of wide consultation with over 100 external stakeholders and included staff interviews and input. The search committee of the Board of Trustees will now begin Phase 2 of the candidate search. Please refer to the candidate criteria and summary of challenges and opportunities document for full details.
- April 30, 2010
Neighbourhood change in action
Annual Jane's Walk features tours in many of the 13 priority neighbourhoods
Toronto's rich and diverse cultures are featured in over 120 Jane's Walks, a series of free neighbourhood walking tours that helps put people in touch with their environment and with each other, by bridging social and geographic gaps and creating a space for cities to discover themselves. Many of the walks are being held in Toronto's 13 priority neighbourhoods, areas identified in the United Way Toronto Strong Neighbourhood Strategy that require focused investment to strengthen neighbourhood supports. This year, 10 walks have been organized by local residents and members of the Action for Neighbourhood Change (ANC) groups within these communities.
There have been major population changes over the last two decades, with growing levels of poverty in the inner suburbs and few services to meet the needs of residents. ANC creates opportunities that enable local residents to play a central role in shaping their neighbourhoods. Meet some of the previously isolated neighbours who now call each other friends, and see the pride that they have in their neighbourhoods, and the dreams that they have for its future. All of the walks featured below were created by residents working together with the goal of making their neighbourhood a better place to live.
Check the centrespread in the April 29 issue of NOW Magazine for full listing information. More details:
- April 1, 2010
Inner suburban students receive national level coaching accreditation to access summer jobs
More than 100 young people graduated from the Toronto Sport Leadership Program
More than 100 students from Toronto's inner suburban neighbourhoods graduated today from the Toronto Sport Leadership Program (TSLP) with their national coaching accreditation at a ceremony today at the Metro Central YMCA.
The TSLP was established in 2006 in response to a rise in youth violence and youth unemployment. Since then, more than 500 young people have graduated and have gone on to become certified lifeguards, ski instructors, basketball and soccer coaches, camp counsellors — and most importantly — role models in their community.
TSLP is supported in partnership by United Way Toronto, the YMCA of Greater Toronto, the Toronto Community Foundation, the City of Toronto, Toronto District School Board, and Toronto Catholic District School Board, which together provide young people with nationally recognized sports leadership training at no cost.
- March 24, 2010
Research Partnership Announced with McMaster University
United Way Toronto and McMaster University have formed an important research partnership to examine the issue of precarious employment and its relationship to poverty. This study, Poverty and Employment Precarity in Southern Ontario, will look at the effect of job instability on families and communities in our region.
See all the academic and community partners and participants, and find out more about the study.
- March 10, 2010
United Way Toronto Board of Trustees announces CEO search committee
United Way Toronto's Board of Trustees has appointed a committee to begin the selection and recruitment process for United Way Toronto's next CEO. Current CEO, Frances Lankin announced February 18 that she will be stepping down as head of United Way next year.
Robert Harding, immediate past chair of United Way's Board of Trustees, will chair the search committee, which will be supported by services provided by Anne Fawcett and Heather Ring of Caldwell Partners. Membership of the committee includes current and former members of United Way's Board:
- Robert Harding, Immediate Past Chair, Board of Trustees
- Alnasir Samji, Chair, Board of Trustees
- John Cartwright, Vice Chair Labour, Board of Trustees
- Kamala-Jean Gopie, Vice Chair Community Impact, Board of Trustees
- John Honderich, Vice Chair Finance & Treasurer, Board of Trustees
- Pedro Barata, Member, Board of Trustees
- Lew Golding, Member, Board of Trustees
- Jean Lam, Past Member, Board of Trustees
- Marie Moliner, Member, Board of Trustees
- Richard Venn, Past Chair, Board of Trustees
- February 4, 2010
Changing the face of leadership: United Way Toronto recognized with Diversity in Governance Award
Winners of the 2009 Diversity in Governance Award: Frances Lankin, president and CEO, United Way Toronto; Alnasir Samji, chair of the Board of Trustees, United Way Toronto; Ratna Omidvar, president of Maytree and co-chair of DiverseCity; Michele Landsberg, Board Member, Women's College Hospital; Marilyn Emery, president and CEO, Women's College Hospital.
DiverseCity onBoard recognized United Way Toronto and Women's College Hospital for embracing diversity in board governance and making it a priority to seek out board members from diverse backgrounds.
"Good practice in board governance includes finding the right people to lead," explained Ratna Omidvar, President of Maytree and co-chair of DiverseCity. "In a city region as diverse as ours, this involves embracing the full spectrum of skills, experiences and connections available. Capitalizing on our immense talent pool is an imperative for today's nonprofit and public boards."
"This recognition by DiverseCity onBoard means the world to United Way," said Frances Lankin, President and CEO, United Way Toronto. "We're working very hard to become an inclusive and culturally fluent organization – at all levels. Our goal is for diversity and inclusion to become an integral part of who we are and what we do. While we're proud of how far we've come, this award further strengthens our commitment to be as diverse and inclusive as the communities we serve."
DiverseCity onBoard is part of DiverseCity: The Greater Toronto Leadership Project, a joint initiative of Maytree and the Toronto City Summit Alliance. The project aims to transform the leadership landscape across the GTA. DiverseCity onBoard connects qualified candidates from Aboriginal, visible minority and under-represented immigrant communities to agencies, boards and commissions in the public and nonprofit sectors. Since 2005, Diversity onBoard has made 323 appointments to public and nonprofit boards from its roster of more than 1,100 candidates.
- January 21, 2010
2009 campaign sets a record: $109,000,000!
The 2009 United Way Campaign Celebration Dinner began in much the same way as every other year's dinner. Close to 2,000 United Way staff, community workers, corporate sponsors and volunteers gathered to honour their efforts and celebrate their shared values. » Read more...
- January 14, 2010
Humanitarian Disaster in Haiti
On the evening of January 12, 2010, a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. It is the most powerful quake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years. The tremor struck 15km (10 miles) south-west of the capital Port-au-Prince, and was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. Reports describe the destruction to affect as much as 70 percent of the buildings, with debris filling the roads making emergency response difficult. Hundreds of thousands of lives may have been lost.
The staff and volunteers of United Way Toronto express our deepest condolences to the people of Haiti. Our thoughts are with those who lost homes and loved ones -- neighbours, family and friends -- and those who still search for the missing.
The situation in Haiti has very quickly become an acute humanitarian emergency.
You can help people affected by donating to the following organizations:
- Canadian Red Cross relief efforts are being coordinated through the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111 or at any Red Cross office.
- Medecins sans Frontiers (MSF): online at www.msf.ca or by phone at 1-800-982-7903 or 416-964-0619.
- UNICEF Canada: online at unicef.ca or 1-800-567-4483
- United Way Worldwide Disaster Relief Fund: United Way Worldwide members in the Caribbean region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response.
